ptsd C&p Exam Results Vs. Raters Decision

[Tiki]

Hi all and thanks so much fro being here for us. Spent my time in the USAF 67-68 at the Dong Ha Marine Combat Base 6 miles from the DMZ.

Just received a copy of my C&P for PTSD from Mar '09. It states - Axis 1: PTSD - Axis 5: GAF 55. On pg. 15 it asks: IS THERE TOTAL OCCUPATIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPAIRMENT DUE TO MENTAL DISORDER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ? ANS: yes.

Then the narrative below says:

"Veteran becomes hypervigilant and experiences flashbacks in the presence of people and is afraid of going out from fear of getting these symptoms he does not go out to socialise with people, stays home, gave up leisure activities, isolates himself and stays home mostly. He cannot experience loving feelings, cannot feel close to people, has been living alone for many years and isolates himself from others. His occupational and psychosocial status are impaired by his PTSD symptoms."

Also, any info in that opinion came from the VA Social Worker Counselor and the VA Psychiatrist that I have been seeing. I know this because the C&P exam lasted 10 minutes and the DR. really didn't want to hear anything saying " I have all the info I need here already." He was pointing to my C-File.

After talking with others, they tell me language was similar (Total Impairment) in the C&P Report they received and yet they got ratings as low as 30%.

My question is: Is it common to use that language (total impairment) and still come out with a lower rating than a vet deserves? And how can a Rater's opinion trump a Psychiatrist's opinion who has been seeing you for months, and if it does isn't it obvious that a higher authority will overrule the rater on appeal?

[carlie]

And how can a Rater's opinion trump a Psychiatrist's opinion who has been seeing you for months, and if it does isn't it obvious that a higher authority will overrule the rater on appeal?

1) Rater's are the decision maker's.

2) It is NEVER "obvious that a higher authority will overrule the rater on appeal".

jmho,

carlie

[WHOLESALE]

I wish it was that way tiki but I hate to enlighten you. IT AIN'T. It's called "APPEAL" "APPEAL" "APPEAL"

FRANK

1) Rater's are the decision maker's.

2) It is NEVER "obvious that a higher authority will overrule the rater on appeal".

jmho,

carlie

[purple]

Also, if that is verbatim what the C&P doc wrote, that doc needs some basic grammar lessons...besides the fact that the statement was generic, it was badly worded generic.

[WHOLESALE]

Seen weirder things but giving a GAF of 55 and then answering "yes" to total impairment doesn't coorelate but then again i've seen some crazy things with examiners.

frank

Hi all and thanks so much fro being here for us. Spent my time in the USAF 67-68 at the Dong Ha Marine Combat Base 6 miles from the DMZ.

Just received a copy of my C&P for PTSD from Mar '09. It states - Axis 1: PTSD - Axis 5: GAF 55. On pg. 15 it asks: IS THERE TOTAL OCCUPATIONAL AND SOCIAL IMPAIRMENT DUE TO MENTAL DISORDER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ? ANS: yes.

Then the narrative below says:

"Veteran becomes hypervigilant and experiences flashbacks in the presence of people and is afraid of going out from fear of getting these symptoms he does not go out to socialise with people, stays home, gave up leisure activities, isolates himself and stays home mostly. He cannot experience loving feelings, cannot feel close to people, has been living alone for many years and isolates himself from others. His occupational and psychosocial status are impaired by his PTSD symptoms."

Also, any info in that opinion came from the VA Social Worker Counselor and the VA Psychiatrist that I have been seeing. I know this because the C&P exam lasted 10 minutes and the DR. really didn't want to hear anything saying " I have all the info I need here already." He was pointing to my C-File.

After talking with others, they tell me language was similar (Total Impairment) in the C&P Report they received and yet they got ratings as low as 30%.

My question is: Is it common to use that language (total impairment) and still come out with a lower rating than a vet deserves? And how can a Rater's opinion trump a Psychiatrist's opinion who has been seeing you for months, and if it does isn't it obvious that a higher authority will overrule the rater on appeal?

[purple]

Repeat after me: "GAF scores mean nothing"....

[john999]

Tiki

That sounds like a good claim for IU. However, the rater can overrule a C&P exam. The VA often just goes with the C&P, but if they want to be nasty they can impeach their own doctor. Is your PTSD stressor verified? I assume it is if you got a C&P exam, but that verification is what usually screws up PTSD claims. I bet you get IU, but you won't know until you get the rating letter. Don't start spending the money yet. The VA can do anything and that is why we have appeals. Don't blow your stack if they find some excuse to slow you down. Your train is on the tracks, but the VA can put on the brakes.